About

$48,650

pledged of $21,000 goal

485

backers

You’ve helped us push beyond our wildest expectations! We are overwhelmed by your enthusiasm and humbled by your support. So many friends, colleagues, family members and lovers of Peter S. Beagle’s work have contributed to the project, spread the word and made this happen. We are inspired by you all, and we cannot express our gratitude enough.

If you missed out on supporting through Kickstarter, it’s not too late! You can still make a U.S. Tax-Deductible donation by either:

Mattie Whalen is a timid and accommodating housewife who has given up on her own pursuits and settled into a dull but comfortable routine of errands and socializing. It isn’t until she is paired with a new bridge partner at her weekly game that she’s confronted with a captivating alternative. This stranger, Olivia, is everything Mattie isn’t-- foreign, independent and alluring. But as the game ends, Olivia calmly leans across the table and whispers a shocking message: “I’m going to kill you.”

Or at least that’s what Mattie thinks she hears.

When Olivia begins to appear in all of Mattie’s usual haunts, she’s faced with a growing threat, as well as a fear that she could be on the edge of a psychotic break. With no proof, she must fight a duel battle: against her own passivity and a potentially dangerous psychopath. On her own, Mattie must dredge up a courage she may not even have.

So many people have had a point where they felt trapped in a job, relationship or life. We give in, settle and let life just pass by. But what would happen if a menacing outside force came in and threatened everything you took for granted and pushed you to change? Would you transform from victim to survivor or give up and die?

In 2012, Peter S. Beagle (The Last Unicorn) was approached by Neil Gaiman to contribute to an anthology featuring stories written outside of the authors’ usual genres. Known for fantasy but always a fan of mysteries, Beagle wrote "The Bridge Partner."

Later that year, it was selected for the prestigious Houghton Mifflin anthology series, Best American Mysteries 2012. Its editor, Otto Penzler ranked it as one of the top two mystery stories of the year.

The Bridge Partner centers on a conflict between two female protagonists and is about survival, growth and overcoming one’s own complacency and fighting for the life you deserve. That’s universal to men and women, but rarely depicted in film between two female characters.
The Bechdel Test is a simple way to gauge the active presence of female characters in films and assess how well-rounded and completely they are depicted. The Bridge Partner passes with flying colors.
To pass, a work of fiction must meet all three criteria:

1. It must have at least two (named) women in it,

2. who talk to each other,

3. about something besides a man.

The test is by no means a barometer of quality, but it is an interesting way to hold a mirror up to the film industry and how women are represented within it.

Every project we’ve shot up to this point has been financed by us, and we’ve already put together a significant portion of the budget for this film -- but sadly, this story has a few challenges that make it more expensive than a typical short film -- and that’s why we’re reaching out for your support to close that gap.

This story is particularly ambitious in that we have eight separate shooting locations all set in a small seaside town distinctly outside of Los Angeles. This requires us to both travel and lodge the cast and key crew members for our shoot days. Being outside of our local area also means we won’t be able to use friends' and families' homes for filming locations, which is often vital to small budget filmmaking.

This project represents a grass-roots effort to bring a community of friends and colleagues together to create something we believe in. With your support, we can make this unique Psychological-Thriller. And we’re going to do it in a very gripping and entertaining way.

If you have skills, equipment, locations or in kind contributions you'd like to offer, please reach out to us directly.

The money we raise on Kickstarter will be put towards our hard costs, which include but are not limited to:

Location Fees and Permits
Transportation Expenses (location is 90 miles out of LA)

We set a goal and a deadline to get it. You can pledge any amount and choose a reward! If we reach our goal by the deadline, we get funded and you get the reward! If we don't reach our goal, you are not charged and we do not receive any money...and this film does not happen.

We know how much it means to contribute financial support, and we want to say THANK YOU by giving you something back in return. Our rewards are about making you part of the production and giving you access to some exclusive participation in the film, like a Digital Download or DVD of the finished film, a copy of the script, your name in the credits, a viewing of the rough cut with the opportunity to share your notes with the filmmakers, and access to a private behind-the-scenes Instagram account.

Peter S. Beagle is also helping out with several great rewards for his fans, including the book Sleight of Hand where "The Bridge Partner" debuted, as well as BLURAYs of The Last Unicorn and a Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel version of The Last Unicorn, all signed and personalized by Peter S. Beagle!!!

Gabriel Olson (Director / Screenwriter) After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he went to work as a creative assistant to one of Anonymous Content’s top directors, where he worked on dozens of commercial campaigns, as well as the films 44 Inch Chest in London, and Henry’s Crime, in New York, where he met producer Sean Barney. In 2010, he moved on to focus on directing full time, and was met with success when a Public Service Announcement he directed was selected as a 2010 AICP Show finalist. Coca Cola’s marketing team awarded his Coke Zero spec first place and then it won the Overall Grand Prize at 2010's Cannes Lions MOFILM Competition. He has gone on to work with major brands--Google, Petsmart, Relativity Media and Guitar Center to name a few. In 2013, Gabriel was selected for recognition in the prestigious SHOOT Magazine New Directors Showcase.

Here are a few selected works:

Sean Barney (Producer) started his career assisting writer and director Sacha Gervasi, which eventually led to his involvement as an associate producer on the acclaimed documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil. Since then he has worked on the independent feature Henry’s Crime and the Academy Award® nominated film Hitchcock, as well as continued his work as a documentary producer with the film Off The Floor. Sean is the founder of the boutique production company Cameo Content. As a commercial producer he has worked with clients such as PetSmart, Mattel, Sony and Microsoft.

Jason Michael Berman (Executive Producer) Jason's films have debuted at premiere film festivals around the globe, including Sundance, Toronto, SXSW, Tribeca, Berlinale, and Edinburgh. In 2011, Berman was named by Variety as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch, and in 2012, Deadline Hollywood named him as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch at Sundance.

Most recently he had the film LITTLE ACCIDENTS starring Elizabeth Banks premier at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and recently wrapped FRANNY starring Richard Gere and Dakota Fanning. Gabriel and Jason met while attending USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where Jason also serves as an adjunct professor. Jason brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team and we couldn't be happier to welcome into the family.

Michelle Baxter (Co-Producer) is a graduate of Princeton University and USC’s prestigious Peter Stark Producing Program. Michelle brings an innovative blend of technical know-how and creative savvy to the production. Upon completion of her MFA, Michelle worked to assist creative producers and senior management at Imagine Entertainment, Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Anonymous Content (where she met director, Gabriel Olson). Since then, she has worked as Director of Digital Strategy for Black Sheep SMG, Rogers and Cowan, successfully crafting and executing digital media campaigns and contests for over 60 brands, entertainment properties, and industry experts.

Peter S. Beagle (Author of short story) is generally recognized within the field as America’s greatest living fantasist. After his first novel, A Fine and Private Place, he was named to a Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University. Peter followed this up with his best-known novel, The Last Unicorn, which has sold 6 million copies worldwide and been translated into 25 different languages.

In addition to eight novels, Peter has written many teleplays and screenplays (including the animated versions of The Lord of the Rings and The Last Unicorn, and the “Sarek” episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation); six nonfiction books (among them the classic travel memoir, I See By My Outfit; the libretto for one opera; and over 70 stories, novelettes, and novellas so far — including a sequel to The Last Unicorn called “Two Hearts,” which won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. In October 2011 the World Fantasy Association honored Peter with their Lifetime Achievement Award.

Matt Egan (Cinematographer) was born and raised in Dallas. He attended the University of Texas in Austin to study jazz music, but after taking an Intro to Film class, he realized he’d found his true calling. He saw how powerful cinematography can be when combined with story and great music. Egan went on to earn an MFA from the University of Southern California in filmmaking, where he met director, Gabriel Olson. While there, his work garnered an American Society of Cinematographers Heritage Award nomination.

Guided by his continuing love of music, Egan shot a concert film for Rufus Wainright called “Sing me the Songs that Say I Love You,” produced by Wim Wenders. He also lensed the music video “Liverpool 8” for former Beatles member, Ringo Starr. Egan has shot all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe for clients such as Chevy, Lenovo, PetSmart, Subway, Indian Motorcycles, Geico and Mattel. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and children. www.mattegan.com

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Trampas Thompson (Stunt Coordinator) We welcome Trampas to our team as Stunt Coordinator! Trampas has worked on over 100 productions including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Wolf of Wall Street and The Dark Knight Rises. Though we're not making an action film, we do have a few surprises in the climax, so having one of the best in the business is a huge win.

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Risks and challenges

There is no film project without challenges or risks: crew members and actors drop out, locations are lost, etc.

The only things that combat the unexpected are preparation, planning and flexibility.

Combined experience and assembling a seasoned crew of professionals gives us the advantage of knowing what problems can arise. We always maintain contingency plans. Our team has worked at all different budget levels and have always delivered. This project is born and nurtured of our passion and dedication and has already taken hundreds of hours. Nobody wants to see this film completed more than us.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 25 or more
About US$ 25

GET A COPY OF THE FILM! We'll send you a private link to download a digital copy of the film (after it's finished it's festival run), plus the same updates and THANK YOU on our website as the $10 level.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 35 or more
About US$ 35

THE FULL DIGITAL PACKAGE! In addition to everything at the $25 level, we'll send you a private link to download the film's score and a copy of the script! AND a digital copy of the "52/50 Project," an E-book with 53 original poems and song lyrics by Peter S. Beagle, accompanied by beautiful illustrations.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

BEHIND THE SCENES ACCESS! You'll receive everything from the $35 level, AND the DVD of the final film, PLUS give you access to a PRIVATE INSTAGRAM account with photos from pre-production and behind-the-scenes shoot, as the movie comes together,
AND a single frame from an original 35mm film print of "The Last Unicorn" (showing a major character) in a signed clear protective sleeve!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

THANK YOU FROM PETER S. BEAGLE! You receive a signed copy of "Sleight of Hand," his book of short stories including the story "The Bridge Partner," signed and personalized to YOU -- plus everything from the $50 level!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

JOIN THE MOVIE! In addition to all of the rewards listed above, we'll invite you to visit us on set during production (travel not included) and you'll receive a SPECIAL THANKS credit in the film and on IMDB!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

ULTIMATE "THE LAST UNICORN" FAN! Everything at the $100 level, and Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel of "The Last Unicorn", signed by Peter S. Beagle and personalized to YOU, as well as the BLURAY of the animated film of "The Last Unicorn." And you'll receive a "Special Thanks" credit in "The Bridge Partner" and on IMDB! This is a must-have package for any Peter S. Beagle fan!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

YOU ARE IN ON IT! You're invited to a special "rough cut" screening of "The Bridge Partner," where you'll not only get early access to see the movie, but also the opportunity to provide your notes on the edit. (Can't make the screening in LA? We'll send you a private link to watch the rough cut!) And you'll receive all the rewards from the $150 level and above, including a SPECIAL THANKS credit in "The Bridge Partner" and on IMDB!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $300 or more
About $300

FACE TIME WITH PETER or FILMMAKERS: A one-on-one coffee with the author of the original story, Peter S. Beagle or the Filmmakers (or a Skype session if you're not in California). Plus you'll receive everything from the $250 level!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

YOU'RE A STAR! You'll spend a day on set as an Extra during an important scene in the movie. We'll even list you in the credits, and give you everything from the $300 too! (Transportation to our location is not provided.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

YOU WANNA BE A PRODUCER? As a huge thank you for being such a big supporter of this project we'll give you credit as an Associate Producer in the film's credits and on IMDB! Plus we'll invite you to a special cast and crew only read-through of the script before production starts, and you'll receive everything from the $500 level as well!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

HAVE A CIGAR! You'll be EXECUTIVE PRODUCER both in the film's credits and on IMDB so that everyone will know how critical you are to making this movie happen! We're so greatful for the tremendous support you'll also enjoy everything from the $1000 level (except the AP Credit).

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

WE WANT TO HUG YOU! Our gratitude for your contribution is beyond words. As a special thanks, in addition to everything at the $2500 level, the filmakers and Peter S. Beagle would like to take you out to a nice dinner in L.A., where we'll be able to to share stories from the set and tell you in person how grateful we are. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!